One of the 10 will be George Hill, who has been thrust in the Spurs’ starting lineup after Manu Ginobili’s elbow injury.

Hill was going to be important for the Spurs’ success before that, but Ginobili’s status in Game 1 only makes it that much more important for the third-year Spurs guard in a rare start.

Here’s what PBT hoop guru Kurt Helin had to say about Hill:

“The Spurs count on their bench guys to come in, play the system, defend and knock down shots. Hill does it beautifully. He shot 37.7 percent from three and gave the Spurs 12 points a game, getting big minutes (28 a game). The Spurs bench has been their undoing (well, part of it) in recent seasons and Hill will be key to changing that this time around.”

He’s exactly right in his analysis. It’s why Hill’s role will be just as big for the Spurs after he returns to the bench when Ginobili is healthy.

Here a look at some takes from my blog brothers heading into Sunday’s opener.